Thursday, September 06, 2007

Although the 3 judges who presided over the trial hearings are still continuing their deliberations, we now have the first open sign that they are reaching some firm conclusions. Mahmoud Slimane Aoun, one of the accused who was being held in prison awaiting the verdict, has been released on condition that he reports periodically to the police. The significance of this lies in the conclusions that can be drawn about the likely sentence he will receive. Most of those held in prison as a result of being charged in connection with the train bombings have been there for over 3 years. In the event of them receiving a sentence of 6-7 years or less they should be immediately released, having served over half of that time already. The fact that Slimane Aoun has not been released unconditionally is interpreted as meaning that he will receive a sentence of this magnitude, but not more. The judges are required to release unconditionally anyone who they intend to find not guilty when the final sentence is issued, and it will be interesting to see whether further similar decisions are made by the court in the next few weeks before they deliver their verdict. Mahmoud Slimane Aoun is a fairly marginal figure in the conspiracy, if he is being found guilty then it suggests that most of the accused could face a similar fate. No sooner was he freed than he found himself detained again because a deportation order was issued against him some time ago.